Reflecting on the year while celebrating historic artificial pancreas success

What a time it has been for JDRF and the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community! The announcement of the FDA’s approval of the first artificial pancreas system (Medtronic MiniMed 670G hybrid closed-loop system) was a huge milestone for better treatment for those living with T1D. It represents a breaking down of barriers which will hasten advancements that continue to offer better, safer, and easier treatment for our loved ones.

Just before this major breakthrough was announced, I celebrated the one year anniversary of my return to JDRF. Those who know me well know I like to “Mark the Moment” when special things happen. So, I was already feeling profoundly reflective of all the joys of returning to JDRF (I worked for 14 years at JDRF in the early days of my career). The two things that continue to inspire me are the amazing generosity of JDRF volunteers, and the incredible strategic focus JDRF brings to its mission. I was already feeling pride and gratitude – and then the FDA approval news broke. It perfectly embodies both of these attributes of JDRF: outstanding volunteerism and exceptional strategic focus.

I can’t say it better than the words I received from two of our supporters:

From the father of an adult child living with T1D: “In addition to the improved glucose control, especially at night, this system (and the others that should be available in 2018) will lift the heavy burden of worry many parents feel for their kid’s safety (and that includes parents of adult ‘kids’ like me). Easing the psychological weight of this 24/7/365 disease represents a HUGE benefit to patients and their care givers. JDRF’s work – and the signatures of thousands of volunteers across the country – pressed the FDA to adopt a more sensible ‘guidance’ in 2012 that gave manufactures the roadmap to develop and test these devices much faster. Hats off to the volunteers.”

And from an adult who lives with T1D: “Here’s what you can expect: more nights with uninterrupted sleep; more mornings waking up in range; improved A1C; fewer episodes of hypoglycemia – minor and severe.”

Clearly, there is a lot of excitement about this major step forward. While our work is nowhere near done, it is important that we take a moment to celebrate, to drink from the cup of a hard-won victory. It’s also time to refill our reserves for the next set of initiatives that will continue to make progress across all of JDRF’s therapeutic initiatives that cover prevention, treatment and ultimately a cure for T1D.

To all of you who support JDRF’s work, thank you. Your efforts are making real development possible. JDRF’s work is not finished. Several other scientific and technological advancements are in the pipeline that could also provide better outcomes and less burden for those living with T1D.

What a joy to return – at this moment – to this amazing JDRF community. Thank you for the privilege of partnering with each of you – our board members, donors, volunteers, Walk teams, Gala sponsors, mentors, committee members and staff members – to advance our vision of a world without T1D.

– Nicole Friedland